Just like Marmite, some people love it, others hate it. Unfortunately for the latter, it is inevitable…so we may as well make the most of it whilst it is here.

I don’t think Valentine’s Day needs to be about big declarations or expensive gifts. Restaurants hike up their prices, red roses become near impossible to get hold of and buying a normal birthday card is out of the question as the card shops are decked out head to toe in red and pink. It may have become ridiculously commercialised, but I see V-Day as an opportunity to put down the phones, take some time out and simply enjoy your other half’s company.

Because of this, I’ve decided to compile a list of Valentine’s Day date ideas that won’t cost the earth. Most of these cost little to no money, can be done on an evening or during the day – and hey, why restrict these ideas to one day of the year? So tell your loved one to clear their diary and start planning that quality time together.

Marks & Spencer’s Valentine’s meal for two

For a tenner each, you can enjoy a three course meal, wine or prosecco AND chocolates with the M&S Valentine’s dine in meal for two. I’ve done this deal in the past, and it has not disappointed! For a ‘ready meal’, the food is actually really tasty…there is more than enough to go around and there’s something quite satisfying knowing that £20 gets you food, alcohol and dessert. Lay out the tablecloth, crack out the champagne glasses and toast to how much money you’ve saved not going out to a pricey restaurant.

‘Tasty’ meal for two

If home cooking is more your thing, Buzzfeed’s ‘Tasty’ Facebook page has been posting some great ideas for DIY three course Valentine’s Day meals. Their ideas include vegan and vegetarian dishes – and they are really simple and affordable, so even a kitchen novice can rustle up a feast.

Take a trip down memory lane

If you’ve been with your partner for a long time, get out the memory boxes and take a look back on the years you’ve spent together. Liam and I have been together for almost five years, so we have a lot of old cards, notes and photographs – and it’s always lovely to go back through them. Test them on what you did on your first Valentine’s Day or make a list of dates you’d like to go on in the future.

Double up your Clubcard vouchers

Do you have Tesco Clubcard Vouchers lying around? Take look at their website, as £2.50 can often be switched for £10 at popular restaurants such as Prezzo, Bella Italia or Zizzis. Or if eating out isn’t your thing, there are a range of offers from hotel discounts to fun days out. Even if you don’t use the offers on Valentine’s Day itself, it’s a great way to organise a date night/weekend.

Take a road trip to a place you’ve never been

It’s chilly at the moment, but wrap up warm, get out a map and pick a random town to visit nearby that you haven’t been to before. Either take a long drive through the countryside to get there, or hop on the nearest train – and just spend the day exploring.

Spend the night at home and have a TV marathon

Who doesn’t love a Netflix night? Keep your night simple by lighting some candles, ordering in pizza and binging a series on your favourite streaming service. This can be done by loved up couples OR singles, so really this is the perfect evening for everybody.

What are you planning to do on Valentine’s Day? Are you a lover or a hater? Let me know in the comments and if you would like to keep up to date with my posts, you can subscribe on Bloglovin.